Developer wants public input from Belmont residents

Wednesday

Feb 29, 2012 at 12:01 AMFeb 29, 2012 at 4:06 PM

Chris Starr presented his proposal to develop Cushing Square.

Christine Kenney/WickedLocalBelmont.com

Almost every inch of the meeting room was filled with residents at Tuesday’s Planning Board meeting, most in attendance to hear Developer Chris Starr’s third crack at developing his substantial property at Cushing Square. Starr, owner of Smith Legacy Partner Series, and his team formulated two other plans presented in 2008 and 2010 respectively, and he faced the board on Tuesday with what he refers to as his final draft.

“Now in 2012 we offer our final proposal for three buildings, three buildings that have unique architectural character, their own personality if you will,” Starr said.

The development consists of three mixed-use buildings to be built at Cushing Square. The three structures, called the Pomona, Hyland, and Winslow buildings, will be no more than four stories or 48 feet in height. The “village” will create 37,000 square feet of commercial development, and 142 one- and two-bedroom apartment units.

Architect Peter Quinn highlighted some of the major attributes of the development, including the separate design themes specific to each building. The Pomona building, hoped to house a boutique grocery store, will feature rustic stone and metal work to give its exterior a “naturalistic” feel. The Winslow, or “arts and crafts building,” will be dressed up in decorative wood and brickwork.

A one-story “cylinder” room, geared toward the space’s potential use as an upscale restaurant, was worked into the Winslow design.

The Hyland Building varies in height but appears to be four stories when looked at from Belmont Street and from Trapelo Road due to a 15-foot difference in grade. The building steps down to provide the most optimal view for neighbors, which is also meant to give the appearance of a “hilly side village.”

Although the Winslow building will be built on the municipal parking lot, Starr’s development will generate 277 on-grade and underground parking spaces. The proposal requests traffic on Horne Road be closed off to prevent drivers from cutting down Williston Road to access Common Street.

The estimated $40 million project is pedestrian friendly, with 156 bike racks worked into the design.

Starr referenced a traffic study that estimated the worst possible traffic delays that could result from the development. The study results showed a five-second delay could possibly result at the intersection at Trapelo Road. Each other intersection studied resulted in less than five-second delays as a worst-case scenario.

Resident Dennis Kavanagh suggested the developer consider a more modern design than a clock tower atop the Pomona building.

“A clock tower really is outdated,” he said. “I would love to see some sort of a patio or a terrace there for this upscale restaurant or for Starbucks.”

Steve Carlini requested the presentation be made public. Starr will post the powerpoint to the project’s website. Michael Kam asked how the town plans to arrange snow removal for Horne Road if the road is closed off.

“Before this is all over there will be a snow removal and storage plan required,” Baghdady said.

A question about traffic concerns reminded the board Tuesday’s meeting was meant for just a general overview of the project. The developer’s team was instructed to give a more detailed presentation on project size, density, height, and preservation of historic structures at the next public hearing on March 13.

Starr was adamant he wanted the public’s input in the “transparent” planning process. He requested residents sign up for an electronic newsletter and visit the project’s website.

“This should be your Cushing Village, this shouldn’t be ours,” Starr said.